As a way to come to a different understanding of the way belonging is practiced by different sections of the population of SXM, Dr. Francio Guadeloupe and PhD researcher Jordi Halfman joined the students of USM on their first hike through the moutains of the island.

The idea being that these hikes will take place more regularly with a diverse group of Sint maarteners, these hikes will allow meetings to take place between all of them and a situation to emerge in which dreams for the future may be shared. Moreover, walking together will allow for other ways of being together and learning from each other while the envisioned planting of fruittrees will beautify the island.

As Halfman explained in the article on the St Martin New Network: 'Walking with these students, seeing the island through their eyes, hearing their memories of specific areas of the island, was very enlightening. It helped her realize how important it is to feel a sense of pride, both for the land you live on and your accomplishments while living there.'